Oakley concerned with student health

LBCC president Eloy Oakley hopes to keep everyone at the college safe from the Swine Flu by encouraging students and faculty to wash their hands, and to stay home if sick.An e-mail sent from Oakley's office to the LBCC community on April 30, said, "I want to assure you that we are monitoring the situation closely and are currently reviewing our pandemic influenza plans to ensure we are thoroughly prepared for any contingencies should our college be faced with reported cases."

LBCC Registered Nurse Cindi Shaheen, said, "Washing your hands is the most important preventive measure. Think before you borrow or lend items to friends.

"Remember, people put pens and pencils in their mouths and your cell phone is right next to your mouth. Put the Kleenex in the trash, not your pocket. Follow what your mother taught you and wash your hands."

A recent New York Times article on May 13 reported, "Many people suffering from Swine Influenza, even those who are severely ill, do not have fever; an odd feature of the new virus that could increase the difficulty of controlling the epidemic, said a leading American infectious-disease expert who examined cases in Mexico last week."

LBCC student Nazh Dafor said, "I'm surprised, but not worried about it. The TV makes it sound scary. I watched the television and they showed how to wear a mask. In the Philipine airport, they scan for temperature and sickness," Dafor added.

"I even saw a picture in a celebrity magazine of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of MTV wearing a mask on the beach. It's good to be careful to prevent it in a positive way, not to make people paranoid."

More information is available by calling 938-4840 or contacting Student Health Services on both campuses.